Holiday Attire

By Kate Arends

Published: December 2012

Holiday parties are in full swing and that means slipping into something a little dressier. If you ask me, the busiest social season of the year is an excellent reason to add a new dress to your rotation. It's also a good time to take inventory of your closet before you settle on a frock. As a woman who owns (and loves) far too many black dresses, adding one more to my closet doesn't do much for versatility. So try on something a little different this season, and consider wearability beyond holiday attire. A dress that can transition into the spring, or be layered with casual clothes, is a winner.

I looked to local women's boutique Parc Boutique for options that are easy on the pocketbook and the eyes this season. Here are my top three picks:

1. For an added layer of shimmer, try the Pop The Bubbly dress.

The cut of this dress flatters almost any figure and the layering options are endless. To dress it down, try wearing it over a chambray top. Finish the look with burgundy tights worn with booties. Add an oversized wool coat to contrast the feminine lines of the dress.

2. For a twist on the classic black sheath, try the Sparkle & Peplum dress.

The contrasting textures and distinctive shape add visual interest to the classic black dress. Pairing this dress with black patent leather loafers adds another contrasting texture, as would a velvet smoking flat.

3. For a dress that can transition into spring, try the Middleton dress.

Stick to simple accessories with this one. Try a statement bracelet, as a necklace competes with the intricate neckline. Pair with a sky-high nude pump and sleek clutch. Sweep your hair into a messy low chignon for a dressier look, or wear your hair down with loose curls for a softer, more relaxed finish.

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From boutiques to salons to your own closet, TC Style will bring you expertly curated tips and tricks from the local shopping, fashion, beauty, wellness, and design scene. Odds are if you put it on, take it off, hang it up, or cut it out, we’ll tell you how to get it. Most importantly, we know that when you look good and feel good, you do good—the beautiful life is about much more than the material world. (But that won’t stop us from loving it.)